Officials warn: Vehicles and equipment pose major wildfire risk in Pacific Northwest

PORTLAND, Ore. — With the Pacific Northwest entering the peak of wildfire season, state and federal officials are urging the public to take extra precautions when using vehicles and equipment outdoors. Common summer tools and travel essentials — from RV solar panels to lawn mowers — can easily spark wildfires in hot, dry conditions.

“The number of equipment-related fires spikes dramatically during the summer months, and motorists are the driving force behind the majority of those starts,” said Kristin Babbs, president of the Keep Oregon Green Association. “Data show that many human-caused wildfires in Oregon and Washington start along heavily traveled roadways like Interstate 5, Interstate 84, and Interstate 90 where sparks from dragging tow chains or metal car parts can easily ignite dry vegetation and spread quickly. Pack an up-to-date fire extinguisher in your car’s summer emergency kit and know how to use it.”

As of July 23, the region has seen 2,134 wildfires — 81% of which were human-caused. In Washington, 1,018 of 1,050 fires were started by people; in Oregon, 675 of 1,039 fires were also human-caused.

The Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group warns that all motorized vehicles — including cars, trucks, ATVs and RVs — can ignite wildfires if used improperly or without adequate maintenance. Officials report an above-average risk of large fires across eastern Oregon and Washington, and parts of northwest Washington, through September.

Among the most common ignition sources are dragging tow chains, underinflated or shredded tires, faulty spark arresters, and overheated catalytic converters.

Officials offer the following safety tips to help reduce fire starts:

• Secure all parts of vehicles, including tow chains and mufflers, to prevent them from dragging.
  
  
• Check tire pressure and inspect for wear. A shredded tire or worn-out brake can spark a roadside fire.
  
  
• Maintain clean exhaust systems and ensure spark arresters and catalytic converters are functioning.
  
  
• Avoid driving or parking on dry grass or brush; exhaust systems can exceed 2,800°F.
  
  
• Follow all seasonal forest laws and land-use restrictions.
  
  
• Carry fire extinguishers, water, a shovel, and a charged cell phone in every vehicle.
  
  
• Ensure RV systems — including solar panels, batteries, and propane appliances — are properly installed and maintained. Most RV solar panel fires result from improper installation or faulty wiring.
  
  
• Clear at least 10 feet around RV solar panels down to mineral soil to reduce risk.
  
  

Fire officials urge visitors and residents to respect private forestland closures and check current restrictions and safety guidance from public land agencies:

• U.S. Forest Service (https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/alerts)
  
  
• Bureau of Land Management (https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions)
  
  
• Oregon Department of Forestry (https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx)
  
  
• Washington Department of Natural Resources (https://dnr.wa.gov/recreation/find-your-campsite)

• Wildfire Prevention (https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/firedanger/)
  
  

Officials stress that with proper awareness and preparedness, many wildfires caused by vehicles and recreational equipment can be prevented.